Read More

Scunthorpe United weekend preview

Alexander has paid tribute to McArdle and Lewis for their respective international call ups.

Although it means that Scunthorpe will lose them for the game against the Pirates, Alexander feels the fact they have got players away with their national teams shows what calibre of player they can attract to the club.

“We had another couple of lads who were in the reckoning for their teams in Simon Church and Andrew Crofts who were both in the thoughts of the Welsh squad,” Alexander told the Telegraph.

“For a club like us in League One, it is a great credit that we can attract these types of players.

“They are representing us when they go away and people in Northern Ireland and New Zealand will know about Scunthorpe because one of our players is representing them.

“I am delighted for the individuals and proud as a club we have two players away on international duty. I’m not sure that’s happened too often in Scunthorpe’s history.

“Rory not been on scene for last couple of years but his form not just for us but for Bradford as well meant he was worthy of a space in the squad for two massive games.

“The frustration is we are losing two good players but you go through a season when you miss players for various reasons and been away for international duty is the best one.

“You have to continue to be competitive without certain individuals at certain parts of the season.

“It is the first time we have missed Rory in the league but I expect someone to step up and perform just as well as he has.”